Guide Description:This open discussion will describe the process of the academic teams at NorthWest Arkansas Community College and Arkansas State University who developed a curricular path from an applied associate’s degree focusing on entrepreneurship to a bachelor’s degree focusing on entrepreneurship.This agreement is unique, stemming from a statewide entrepreneurship curriculum.

Full Description:NorthWest Arkansas Community College led the effort to develop a statewide entrepreneurship curriculum for community colleges.However, the academic team at NWACC wasn’t content to develop an A.A.S. curriculum accepted by nine other community colleges in the state.This presentation takes you through the process used to develop partnerships and curriculum allowing students to earn an A.A.S in Management with an entrepreneurship focus, an A.S. in Business Administration, and a B.S. in Business Administration with an entrepreneurship focus.

The partnership model developed by NorthWest Arkansas Community College and Arkansas State University provides students with a variety of educational options.Existing entrepreneurs may take entrepreneurship classes without completing a degree.Others may obtain the skills to start a business through the A.A.S. degree, and then grow with their business by completing the additional steps to the A.S. and B.S. degrees.The complete program requires a few hours more than a traditional B.S. in Business Administration but provides a number of degree options for students.

Through this partnership the statewide emphasis toward economic development is one of the measures for success.To improve student access, the programs will be delivered in multiple formats, face-to-face, online, video conference, and hybrid throughout the state.

Partnerships produce results, and the NWACC – ASU partnership will provide a complete spectrum of entrepreneurship education across the state of Arkansas.The format of the presentation will be open dialogue with the participants of the session.